LEBANON, Ill. – The men's basketball team escaped in yet another thrilling ending against Rockhurst University in Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) action where Joey Niesman came clutch again on Thursday, February 27th at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center in Lebanon, Illinois.
Score: McKendree University 67, Rockhurst University 65
Record: Bearcats 13-13, 10-9 GLVC | Hawks 16-11, 10-9 GLVC
HOW IT HAPPENED
McKendree junior forward Noah Franklin (Cobden, Ill.) got things rolling with a pair of inside layups and holding the Rockhurst squad scoreless for the first three minutes of action. Both teams would have a hard time getting the ball to drop through the hoop, yet the Hawks would go on a 15-7 run to take a four-point lead with a hair under 10 minutes to play in the first half.
A three-pointer by senior guard Joey Niesman (Oswego, Ill.) and the first for the Bearcats propelled the team back to a one-point advantage as one point – by the Hawks – would tally itself on the board for the next three and a half minutes. McKendree sophomore guard Luka Mateski (Belgrade, Serbia) gave McKendree another shot from beyond the arc to go up three. Yet, Rockhurst would reel off six points in the closing moments of the half before Niesman fired in a quick-release three after he pumped-faked the defense to knot the game up at 24 a-piece heading into intermission.
Mateski would provide a spark for McKendree by scoring nine points within the first six and a half minutes of the second half as they managed to obtain a five-point lead and upped it to seven with junior guard Cha'Vez Woods (Louisville, Ky.) hitting the team's four of their next five shots with all of his coming from long distance.
The Hawks from there kept on creeping closer and closer and time continued to wind down as they spent the majority of the time attacking the paint and earning their money from the charity stripe. With 16 seconds remaining Rockhurst freshman guard Micah Deaver came down with the offensive rebound to which he got fouled in the process and subsequently connected on both free throws to tie the game up at 65. On the other end of the floor, Niesman would play hero ball once again, backing down his defender and making a few half-spins before scooping the ball off the glass and dropping in to give the Bearcats the two-point edge with only three seconds remaining in regulation.
A halfcourt heave by Rockhurst led to a tipped turnover out of bounds. McKendree got the ball into court, yet was fumbled around until Rockhurst got their hands on it momentarily to where they hawked up a desperation heave that clanged off the rim, giving the Bearcats the 67-65 win at home.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
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Mateski led the Bearcats in scoring with 17 points on 6-10 shooting, including going 2-3 from three as he grabbed two rebounds, two steals, and a steal.
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Niesman followed with 14 points, going 6-9 from the field and 2-3 from deep as well to go along with four rebounds, a pair of blocks, and an assist.
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McKendree shot 48.1% from the field and 41.7% from distance, and 83.3% from the stripe while the Hawks ended with 40.4%, 25.0%, and 78.3% respectively.
GLVC TOURNAMENT OUTLOOK
McKendree is still in contention for clinching a berth in the GLVC Tournament – with notably securing Thursday's win over Rockhurst. For where the Bearcats stand specifically, please check the GLVC's Point Rating System and Standings.
UP NEXT
McKendree will be back on the court on Saturday, March 1st, when they stay home for senior day and take on Southwest Baptist University at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center, with tip-off set for 3:00 PM CT.
For more updates and information on Bearcat Athletics, please continue to visit McKBearcats.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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